If you’ve ever wandered through a Publix and found yourself tempted by the savory scents of the deli or the sweet aromas wafting from the bakery, you’re not alone. This beloved Southern grocery chain has earned a cult following for good reason. From crispy chicken subs to decadent cakes, Publix knows how to deliver flavor in every bite. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, these 7 deli favorites and 7 bakery treats deserve a spot on your must-try list. Get ready to crave everything on this delicious countdown.
1. The Legendary Chicken Tender Sub
Southern comfort meets sandwich perfection in this Publix icon. Crispy, freshly-fried chicken tenders nestle into a soft sub roll, creating the foundation for customization magic.
Regular customers know the drill – add Buffalo sauce for kick, ranch for creaminess, or keep it classic with mayo and veggies. The tender-to-bread ratio hits the sweet spot every time.
What elevates this sub beyond ordinary fast food is the quality of those chicken tenders – juicy inside, crunchy outside, and never sitting under a heat lamp for hours. No wonder it’s developed an almost cult-like following across the Southeast!
2. Boar’s Head Italian Sub for Serious Sandwich Lovers
Meat lovers rejoice! This sub stacks premium Boar’s Head salami, ham, and spicy capicola with provolone cheese and fresh veggies for an authentic Italian experience.
The magic happens when oil and vinegar soak into that hearty sub roll, creating flavor dimensions that basic sandwiches simply can’t match. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of savory meats, mild cheese, and tangy dressing.
Publix deli associates know exactly how to layer these ingredients for maximum flavor. Pro tip: order ahead during lunch rush to avoid the wait, as this popular option often creates lines of hungry fans!
3. Golden-Perfect Fried Chicken
Forget the fast-food chains – Publix fried chicken delivers that homestyle crunch without the fuss of making it yourself. The secret lies in that perfectly seasoned coating that shatters with each bite, revealing juicy meat underneath.
Available hot and ready throughout the day, it’s the ultimate solution for impromptu picnics or dinner emergencies. The breast pieces tend to disappear first, so arrive early if that’s your preference!
Many Southern families have a standing Sunday tradition of Publix chicken, and out-of-state visitors often make a special trip just for this crispy delight. The eight-piece box provides enough for a family meal with leftovers that taste almost better cold the next day.
4. Creamy Dream Gourmet Mac & Cheese
Comfort food reaches its pinnacle in Publix’s deli case with this velvety mac and cheese. Unlike the boxed versions from childhood, this grown-up rendition features real cheese sauce clinging to every pasta curve.
The top layer develops a slight crust that adds textural contrast to the creamy interior. Regulars know to request a corner piece to maximize that delicious browned cheese effect.
Available by the pound, it makes the perfect side dish for almost any protein. Many families serve it at holiday gatherings alongside the traditional dishes, and some clever hosts have been known to transfer it to their own casserole dish to pass it off as homemade!
5. Fresh and Filling Chef Salad Platter
When lighter fare calls, this protein-packed salad answers. Crisp greens form the foundation for a mountain of turkey, ham, Swiss cheese, tomatoes, and hard-boiled eggs – creating a complete meal that satisfies without heaviness.
The ingredients arrive freshly chopped rather than sitting pre-mixed, maintaining optimal texture and flavor. Dressing comes separately, allowing you to control the amount and keep leftovers crisp for tomorrow’s lunch.
Health-conscious shoppers appreciate the balance of protein and vegetables, while the convenient packaging makes it perfect for office lunches or quick dinners. The generous portion size often provides enough for two meals, making it an economical choice too!
6. Succulent Oven-Roasted Rotisserie Chicken
Meal preppers and busy families treasure this versatile protein powerhouse. Each bird emerges from Publix ovens with skin that’s perfectly seasoned and meat that remains remarkably moist – no dry breast meat here!
Smart shoppers grab these chickens for meal components throughout the week. Slice it warm for dinner tonight, shred leftovers for tomorrow’s salad, and simmer the bones for soup later.
Publix offers regular and lemon pepper varieties, both maintaining that ideal balance between seasoning and natural chicken flavor. At a price point often lower than buying and cooking a raw chicken yourself (not to mention the time saved), it’s the ultimate weeknight dinner hack that never feels like a compromise.
7. Elegant Jeweled Brie Platter for Easy Entertaining
Instant party upgrade! This ready-to-serve cheese platter transforms ordinary gatherings into sophisticated affairs with minimal effort. The centerpiece features creamy brie crowned with colorful fruit preserves and nuts, surrounded by complementary crackers and fresh fruit.
The sweet-savory combination appeals to varied palates, making it perfect for crowds. Even cheese novices find the mild brie approachable, especially paired with the fruity toppings.
Entertaining hack: transfer to your own serving board, add a few fresh berries or grapes, and guests will think you spent hours arranging it! Available in multiple sizes, it works equally well as an appetizer for dinner parties or the star of wine night with friends.
8. Chocolate Ganache Supreme Cake for Serious Chocolate Lovers
Chocolate intensity reaches new heights in this decadent masterpiece. Moist chocolate cake layers alternate with silky ganache that’s somehow both rich and light simultaneously – a textural achievement that home bakers struggle to replicate.
The exterior features a glossy chocolate coating that cracks slightly under your fork, giving way to the tender cake within. Each slice stands tall on the plate, commanding attention before the first bite even happens.
Perfect for celebrations or serious chocolate cravings, this cake doesn’t need a special occasion to justify its purchase. The bakery offers it in multiple sizes, from individual slices to full cakes that serve a crowd, making chocolate bliss accessible any day of the week.
9. Sunshine in Every Bite: Key Lime Pie
Florida’s famous dessert shines in Publix’s bakery version. The pale green filling achieves that elusive balance – tangy enough to make your taste buds tingle but sweet enough to qualify as dessert, all cradled in a buttery graham cracker crust.
The smooth, creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the slight crunch of the crust. Each slice comes topped with a dollop of real whipped cream that slowly melts into the filling.
While tourists buy these pies as edible souvenirs, locals know they’re the perfect year-round dessert that satisfies without overwhelming. The convenient size serves 6-8 people, making it ideal for family dinners or small gatherings where a light, refreshing finale is needed.
10. Classic Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Crown
Vegetable-based desserts rarely achieve the popularity of Publix’s carrot cake. Moist spiced layers studded with carrot shreds and chopped walnuts create a textural playground in every forkful.
The real star, though, is that thick blanket of cream cheese frosting – tangy, sweet, and applied with a generous hand. Decorative carrots piped on top add a charming touch without being overly fussy.
Fans debate whether to refrigerate leftovers (it firms the frosting) or leave at room temperature (for maximum cake softness). Either way, this cake somehow improves with age, making day-two slices possibly better than the first! Available as cupcakes too, for those wanting portion control or variety at parties.
11. Crispy-Creamy Cannolis: Italian Pastry Perfection
These hand-held treasures bring a touch of Italian bakery tradition to the Publix case. Each crisp pastry shell maintains that crucial snap when bitten, revealing a cloud-like filling of sweetened ricotta studded with mini chocolate chips.
The contrast between crunchy exterior and creamy filling creates that magical textural experience that defines a proper cannoli. Powdered sugar dusted over the top adds a final sweet touch and picture-perfect finish.
Available individually or in party packs, they’re ideal for dessert tables where guests appreciate grab-and-go options. Smart hosts know to keep them refrigerated until shortly before serving for maximum shell crispness – though they rarely last long enough for the shells to soften!
12. Elegant Éclairs: French Pastry Made Accessible
French patisserie meets American supermarket in these perfectly executed treats. The choux pastry shells puff beautifully during baking, creating hollow centers ready to be filled with silky vanilla custard.
Each éclair gets dipped in chocolate glaze that sets to a slight sheen, creating that distinctive two-tone look. The first bite releases a combination of delicate pastry, smooth filling, and rich chocolate that transports you straight to a Parisian café.
Bakers prepare these fresh throughout the day, ensuring the pastry maintains its ideal texture – not too soft, not too firm. They make an impressive addition to brunch spreads or afternoon coffee gatherings, elevating ordinary moments with their classic elegance and surprisingly affordable price point.
13. Guava and Cheese Pastry
Miami influence shines in these tropical-inspired pastries. Flaky layers of buttery dough wrap around a vibrant filling where sweet guava paste meets tangy cream cheese – a combination that might sound unusual until that first revelatory bite.
The guava provides a fruity sweetness with slight floral notes that perfectly balances the cheese component. As it bakes, some of the guava caramelizes slightly where it meets the pastry, creating delicious crispy edges.
Particularly popular in South Florida stores, these pastries make a fantastic breakfast with coffee or afternoon pick-me-up. Their portable size makes them perfect for on-the-go snacking, while the unique flavor combination provides a welcome departure from ordinary pastry options.
14. Chantilly Cake
Special occasions deserve this show-stopping creation that looks as beautiful as it tastes. Delicate vanilla-almond cake layers separate clouds of mascarpone whipped cream that’s lighter than traditional buttercream but substantial enough to hold its shape.
Fresh berries stud both the filling and decorative top, adding pops of color and bursts of natural sweetness. The overall effect is sophisticated without being intimidating – elegant enough for weddings but approachable enough for family birthdays.
The cake’s subtle sweetness appeals to those who find traditional frosted cakes too cloying. Refrigeration is essential for this creation, as the cream filling demands cool temperatures, making it a refreshing choice for warm-weather celebrations when chocolate might seem too heavy.
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